What type of coverage does your Mass home insurance
include? Many residents have policies that compensate for universal
risks such as fire, theft, and vandalism. How about tornadoes? According
to the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service,
Massachusetts saw 9 tornadoes from January 1st, 2001 to December 31st,
2010. During that decade, twisters created $1.815 million worth of
damage.

•    Princeton experienced a tornado on June 17th, 2001 which cost the affected residents $25,000.
•    On June 30th, 2001, Bellingham citizens watched a twister roll through their area but fortunately it caused no damage.
•    On July 23, 2002, West Brookfield homeowners were hit with $50k of repair bills after a storm ravaged the area.
•    August 20-21, 2004 brought 2 tornadoes to the state – the first, in
Pittsfield ($25,000 of damage) and the second in Franklin ($1.5
million).
•    Great Barrington was the next to be hit on June 29, 2005, but the tornado dissipated without damaging property.
•    The strongest in the decade struck on July 11, 2006 in Wendell,  costing residents $200,000.
•    New Braintree saw a storm on July 19, 2007, but incurred no repair bills.
•    Another struck on July 23, 2008 in South Swansea and caused $15k of damage.

While a tornado
may only strike about once a year in the state, there is no way to know
if that twister will whirl by harmlessly or decimate an entire
neighborhood. It is best then to be prepared with the appropriate Mass home insurance to ensure you can access compensation after the disaster.

 

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When purchasing insurance Boston MA residents may consider the various risks they face throughout the year, some of the most common being hurricanes, tornadoes, and winter storms. One thing that often does not come to mind is the things some people will unfortunately resort to during a disaster. One such act is looting.

There is a certain percentage of the population that will take any opportunity on offer to relieve us of our possessions. Whether it’s after a flood, a tornado or an earthquake, home owners often report having returned home after an evacuation period to find prized possessions missing. It’s an ideal time for looters – emergency services usually have their hands full, and residents and business owners have been told to evacuate or have done so for their own safety.

While you may be spared any real damage to your home during a natural disaster, you still may suffer loss at the hands of looters. To have your home damaged and then find that your possessions have been stolen would just make the experience all the more devastating – Mother Nature and human nature at their worst, at the same time!

For every home owner and business owner it’s always important to have the backup of an insurance policy that can compensate your losses in a range of circumstances. Do you have adequate insurance? Boston MA residents and business owners who need policies or are seeking quotes are welcome to contact us.

 

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When it comes to insurance, Boston, MA residents typically need at least one type of policy. Do you own a house? Then you will probably need home insurance. Do you rent? You could benefit from renters coverage. Do you drive a vehicle, whether for work or pleasure? By law, you must have a certain amount of auto insurance. Individuals also often invest in health, dental, and life insurance. No matter what type of coverage you are in the market for, getting a policy requires a certain amount of personal information.

Your name will obviously be needed. Along with your name, you will probably need to submit your contact information, including your mailing address and phone number. Your social security number may be requested as well, to verify your identity.

Purchasing an insurance policy may require certain other records, including your credit report, to be checked. Should you be applying for auto coverage, your driving history could be requested from the local Department of Motor Vehicles. The details of your car loan, if you have one, may also be asked for.

Many times, depending on your credit, the type of policy and the amount of coverage you are buying, a down payment may be required to complete the purchase of insurance in Boston, MA. Boston residents who are protected by an insurance policy may be able to minimize the impact of certain financial calamities in the future.

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Many residential landlords are unknowingly leaving themselves open to lawsuits by being underinsured and being ignorant to the ways to reduce their risks and limit their personal liability as landlords. Learn how to protect yourself as a landlord by following three basic rules.

1. Maintain adequate property and casualty and general liability insurance on your rental property.
2. Reduce the risk of potential lawsuits as a landlord.
3. Limit your personal liability as a landlord.

Vargas & Vargas recommends as a Residential Rental Property Owner, you should carry the following types of insurance coverage: 

Property and Casualty insurance– This covers residential rental property owners from fire, storm or other catastrophic losses that could render their rental property uninhabitable. 

General Liability insurance-This reimburses rental property owners if they’re responsible for compensating another’s losses. General liability insurance doesn’t cover intentional wrong-doing such as arson or assault, but it usually covers negligence and general liability issues. 

Flood insurance-Flood Insurance is available for rental properties that are located in communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. The federal government administers the National Flood Insurance Program, and insurance companies issue the policies. 

Umbrella insurance-Personal or commercial umbrella insurance provides rental property owners with excess liability insurance coverage beyond the limits provided in a general liability insurance policy. Regardless of how safe and secure your rental property may be, and how much you plan and prepare for emergencies, you still must maintain adequate general liability insurance coverage on your rental property in order to help reduce your risk and limit your personal liability as a landlord. 

To further protect yourself as a Residential Landlord, Vargas & Vargas also recommends: 

Require everyone working on your property be insured. To reduce general liability insurance premiums, require that all repairmen and contractors working on your rental property provide certificates of insurance proving that they carry adequate liability coverage and workers’ compensation insurance. Require that each repairman or contractor have a minimum of one million dollars in liability insurance coverage.

Protect yourself further by requiring your tenants to have Renters’ Insurance Coverage.  Include a clause in your rental agreement that requires all tenants to provide proof of renters’ insurance coverage prior to taking possession and occupying the premises. Most renters’ insurance policies provide coverage against fire and theft to personal property, and personal liability coverage for injuries and damages caused by tenant neglect. 

If you are not sure if you are adequately protected as a Residential Landlord, contact us at Vargas & Vargas Insurance and we will be happy to review your coverage and help you manage your risks.

Vargas & Vargas Insurance recommends as a Residential Rental Property Owner, you should carry the following types of insurance coverage:

Property and Casualty insurance– This covers residential rental property owners from fire, storm or other catastrophic losses that could render their rental property uninhabitable. 

General Liability insurance-This reimburses rental property owners if they’re responsible for compensating another’s losses. General liability insurance doesn’t cover intentional wrong-doing such as arson or assault, but it usually covers negligence and general liability issues. 

Flood insurance-Flood Insurance is available for rental properties that are located in communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. The federal government administers the National Flood Insurance Program, and insurance companies issue the policies. 

Umbrella insurance-Personal or commercial umbrella insurance provides rental property owners with excess liability insurance coverage beyond the limits provided in a general liability insurance policy. Regardless of how safe and secure your rental property may be, and how much you plan and prepare for emergencies, you still must maintain adequate general liability insurance coverage on your rental property in order to help reduce your risk and limit your personal liability as a landlord. 

To further protect yourself as a Residential Landlord, Vargas & Vargas also recommends: 

Require everyone working on your property be insured. To reduce general liability insurance premiums, require that all repairmen and contractors working on your rental property provide certificates of insurance proving that they carry adequate liability coverage and workers’ compensation insurance. Require that each repairman or contractor have a minimum of one million dollars in liability insurance coverage.

Protect yourself further by requiring your tenants to have Renters’ Insurance Coverage.  Include a clause in your rental agreement that requires all tenants to provide proof of renters’ insurance coverage prior to taking possession and occupying the premises. Most renters’ insurance policies provide coverage against fire and theft to personal property, and personal liability coverage for injuries and damages caused by tenant neglect. 

If you are not sure if you are adequately protected as a Residential Landlord, contact us at Vargas & Vargas Insurance and we will be happy to review your coverage and help you manage your risks.  877-550-0025

 

Do the necessities of life include insurance in Boston, MA? Boston residents may disagree on the answer to this question. While there is no denying you may be able to survive without coverage, is that the right decision? There are many valid reasons to obtain an insurance policy.

In some instances, insurance is required. Many states mandate drivers to maintain a certain amount of coverage. In Massachusetts, the minimum requirements include bodily injury, personal injury protection, and property damage. When obtaining a car or home loan, lenders may also require you to obtain insurance before being approved. Failing to do so could lead to the loan being voided.

The official City of Boston website offers the public a listing of local crime statistics for the past few years. In 2008, there were 3,469 burglaries, 7,955 acts of vandalism, and 2,400 vehicles stolen. Considering the amount of crime the city boasts, insurance may seem like a pretty good idea to many individuals. Without a policy, you could be left with losses you have no way to cover.

When it comes to insurance, Boston, MA locals may decide to pass on coverage because of fears about the expense. The truth is that you may well be able to get affordable insurance. Contact one of our agents now to get a quote.

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Fried turkey has become one of the newest celebration sensations. From holidays to family reunions, carnivores all over the country are enjoying this fresh twist on a longtime culinary favorite. This gastronomic treat is also very dangerous. Many a house fire is started each year as inexperienced homeowners try to fry a bird. You might have your Mass home insurance policy in place, but the following tips might save you making a claim and missing out on the Turkey!

• Never use a turkey fryer indoors or on decks. It should be positioned a few yards away from all structures.
• Don’t leave the fryer’s side if no one else is there to keep an eye on it, even for a short period of time.
• You must completely thaw a turkey before trying to fry it.
• Avoid using too much oil. You only need enough to cover the bird.
• Until the cooking is done and the oil cooled, children and pets should be kept out of the area.
• Be wary of oil splashing or boiling over. Hot oil can cause serious burns. Seek medical attention immediately if a burn occurs.
• Use insulated gloves and potholders when removing the turkey.

Armed with common sense and the above advice, you could have a beautifully fried turkey. Mistakes happen though and there is no escaping this fact so having a Mass home insurance policy, is always likely to be important.

 

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By doing this you do not receive the advantages of purchasing the policy through an insurance agency. You may ask, “What is the difference, I am receiving the same policy?” But at Vargas & Vargas Insurance Agency we create a memorable experience beyond the sale of the policy.  

What advantages do we offer over an online insurance company or agency?

Vargas Insurance creates a direct personal relationship. To us you are not a number like you will be with an online insurance agencyor company. We know you and your family by your name and the policy’s you own with us.

As the purchaser of a policy via an online agency or company, you have to know all of the current information about proper insurance coverage’s. When purchasing through Vargas & Vargas Insurance Agency. you hire us to place the correct coverage’s on your policy

With or without an insurance policy through Vargas Insurance, you are able to contact us with any insurance questions and we will give you expert advice.

Vargas & Vargas Insurance Agency is a local family owned company with two locations in Dorchester MA and Stoughton MA. By being local and having more than one location, we make it easier on your to visit us with any of your insurance needs. We live and participate and hire in the local community, one of our creeds is “paying it forward”. When using an online insurance agency, you do not have any of these benefits.  

Vargas & Vargas Insurance Agency offers auto, home, life, and business insurance policies. With these policies we offer you expert customer service and sales representatives that you can tailor your insurance to your specific needs. Call us today at 1877-550-0025 so we can personally service you and your family.

 

One of the oldest known ‘professions’ is that of a thief. Unfortunately, that means individuals have to take steps to protect their belongings. While your Mass home insurance policy may guard you against losses due to burglary, it is always better to prevent theft whenever possible. To do this, many homeowners turn to a home alarm system. What should you look for when purchasing this type of equipment?

Some alarms simply sound off a warning signal when the perimeter is breached. While this may be enough to scare off an inexperienced crook, some experienced thieves will be able to recognize the systems where the bark is worse than their bite. To get the most out of your alarm, consider investing in a monitored system. This means emergency services can be called when the alarm is tripped, which may end up saving your belongings and your life

Wireless is all the rage. From smart phones to laptops, so many electronic devices are hopping on to the wireless bandwagon. While you can get a wireless alarm system, it may not be the right choice for your home. Individuals who are building a new home or remodeling an old one can take advantage of the construction to string the wires for the alarm. Individuals in a rental or finished house may benefit from the ease with which wireless systems can be installed.

No home alarm system is foolproof. That is why it is vital, even after your alarm is installed, to maintain your Mass home insurance. Doing so can help ensure another person’s sticky fingers will not break your bank.

 

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There is a reasonable chance of you encountering an out-of-control fire at least once in your life. Along with the protection of commercial insurance, Massachusetts business owners should also prepare by learning how to use a fire extinguisher. This is an important skill to be able to resort to, but thankfully the process of using a fire extinguisher in an emergency is simple.

• First, familiarize yourself with the extinguisher instructions and the type of fire it is designed to extinguish. Ensure your employees are familiar with this information too.
• You’ll find a pin at the top of the extinguisher. When you pull this pin it releases the locking mechanism and this then facilitates the discharge of the extinguisher.
• When using an extinguisher, it’s more effective to spray towards the base of the flames, rather than higher up. You want to extinguish the fire at fuel level.
• Squeeze slowly and steadily to release the contents. When you stop squeezing, the discharge will cease. .
• Maintain your personal safety by remaining several feet away from the fire. When flames begin to subside it may be safer to step closer.

Naturally, it makes the most sense if you learn this on the off chance you might need it one day, rather than trying to work out what to do in the event of a fire. Another vital part of preparing for such an event is obtaining proper commercial insurance in Massachusetts. Business owners can find out about obtaining affordable coverage quotes for their businesses by contacting one of our agents.

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When you invest in your own home, and choose to not take out Mass home insurance, you risk losing your house and the possessions inside of it. A fire, theft, hurricane, or another tragic event could happen. Most likely, your lender will require you to purchase some form of home insurance to protect their investment in the event the home is damaged or destroyed unexpectedly. Once your loan is paid in full, it is at your discretion to keep the insurance or not. However, you leave yourself open to paying for costly damages if you decide against it.

You might want to make sure that you insure your home for the replacement costs, rather than the actual cash value of it. You must take into consideration that value changes overtime, as building costs rise and additions are made. Some of the most common types of home insurance are basic, broad and special.

• Basic provides coverage for fire and smoke damage, wind and hail damage, as well as vandalism and damage caused by misconduct.
• Broad provides coverage for falling objects, structural collapse and weight of snow and ice damage.
• Special provides coverage for structure and all of its contents.

Determining what kind of coverage and how much coverage is adequate can be a confusing task. Individuals who are interested in learning more about Mass home insurance can contact one of our experienced agents.

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Riding a motorcycle is different to driving an automobile. Many people think motorcycle riders are at greater risk than car drivers of being involved in an accident, which is why it is vital to have insurance in Boston, MA. Residents who are new riders should consider following the tips below to stay safe behind the handle bars.

1. Turning on a motorcycle can be tricky: Unlike in a car, when you are traveling at speed on a motorcycle you must turn your handlebars the opposite direction to where you want to go. When you want to go left, you must turn your handlebars slightly to the right. This is called counter steering. You also need to lean into the turn to help maneuver your vehicle in the right direction.

2. Avoid the center of the road: After years of grease building up on the surface, this section provides almost no traction. Instead aim for the area where the tires of a car roll.

3. Stay aware of the cars around you. Allowing your mind to wander could be deadly. It is vital to keep on the lookout for other vehicles making sudden left turns. This is considered one of the leading causes of death for motorcycle riders.

Even though your motorcycle is smaller than the average automobile, an accident can still be deemed your fault. Since most of us are not independently wealthy, it is essential to have insurance in Boston, MA. Riders with the proper coverage can get help with the medical bills, repair costs and settlements related to accidents they have been in. Contact our agency now to purchase your own policy.

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      iPhone: With the significant advancements in technology over the past five years, the new iPhone 4S will make an exceptional gift for any teenager.

      Cell Phone Accessories: Support the iPhone you purchase with a case, car charger and a screen protector for your tech savvy child’s phone.

      Kitchen Accessories: Future cook, baker or current master of the girl living amongst your family? Spatulas, cutting boards, knives, and measuring cups make fantastic useful stocking stuffers.

      The Naughty Child: Buy him or her a bag of coal as a funny Christmas joke! Amazon currently sells two bags of coal for $6. 

      Socks: Purchase aset of soft fuzzy socks to ensure your daughter will be warm and comfy around the fire this winter!

      Movies: Choose a wonderful holiday movie to place in any stocking to enhance the holiday spirit!

      Scratch Tickets: Who doesn’t like to gamble for free? Add a few scratch tickets in each stocking for a small cost!

 Don’t worry, you can have all of your valuable new gifts insured against many causes of loss Vargas & Vargas Insurance Agency.

 Stay up to date by “liking” our Facebook, we are always featuring a contest and share valuable information. 

Business owners who are lucky enough to experience growth during this recession often learn that success is not an easy path. Along with adjustments to their commercial insurance, Massachusetts entrepreneurs may also find their business quickly getting out of hand. With more clients comes a greater need to stay organized. Not doing so could send your business into a downward spiral as clients are disappointed and your reputation suffers. Here are a few ideas on keeping things manageable.

 

A day planner should be your best friend. Many people turn to electronic devices to keep track of their schedule, but such equipment has two fatal flaws – they run on batteries and they can be hacked. Keep things simple and purchase a small planner you can carry around with you. Make a habit of looking at it each morning to get an idea of what lies ahead for you that day.

What office does not have filing cabinets? Many times it is not the absence of these, but improper use that leads to papers getting loss. Create a manageable and coherent filing system. Be sure to teach the arrangement to all of your employees and ensure that someone has the responsibility of regularly filing documents and putting away files. This will help to ensure that everything is in its place and easy to find when needed.

 

What is one of the most common mistakes business owners make during growth spurts? Many forget to review their commercial insurance in Massachusetts. Businesses without the proper coverage could find themselves in a difficult financial situation when disaster strikes. Protect your business and yourself by ensuring that your coverage keeps up with your growing business.

 

Millions of homes display Christmas trees during the holiday season. Who knew that these beautiful decorative trees could potentially destroy your home during this wonderful time of year! According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2005-2009, fire departments responded to 240 fires that were caused by Christmas trees. There were also 13 deaths, 27 injuries and $16.7 million in property damage annually during this time frame. Please use these safety tips to make your home and family safer during the holiday season.

 

Choosing a tree:

 

• Artificial tree: Choose a tree that has a label for being fire resistant.
• Real tree: Make sure the tree is full with green needles. When a tree has green needles, this means the tree is healthy and has a lot of water within it. Also find a tree that does not easily loose its needles when touching it. If a tree loses its needles easily, it means the tree is not very healthy.

 

Placing the tree in your home:

• Position the tree at least 3-4 feet away from any heating element.
• Do not place the tree in front of an exit.

 

Adding lights to the tree:

 

• Only use indoor lights! Do not use outdoor lights inside your home.
• Do not use lighting fixtures with loose bulbs or worn wiring.
• Never put candles with a burning flame on the tree.
• Be sure to turn off all lighting elements on the tree when exiting your home or going to sleep.

 

How to dispose of a used tree:

• Remove any tree from your home that is losing its needles and drying out as the tree could potentially start a fire.
• Contact your areas DPW (Department of Public Works) to see if they have a program for recycling trees.

How to ensure your home and family are protected during the event of a fire?

 

• Call Vargas&Vargas Insurance Agency 877-550-0025 and have one of our customer service representatives review your home insurance policy. At Vargas Insurance we will make sure your loved ones and prized possessions are properly covered not just during the holiday season, but always!

 

 

 

 

Quick and Easy Decorating Tips for the Holiday Season! 

With the holidays sneaking up on everyone and just around the corner, it feels like there isn’t
any time for shopping for gifts, cooking, and decorating. While shopping and cooking delicious foods can become overwhelming and expensive, why not keep it simple when it comes to decorating your home? These quick and easy tips brought to your proudly by Vargas&Vargas Insurance Agency, will help you save money, give you more time to

 

With the holidays sneaking up on everyone and just around the corner, it feels like there isn’t any time for shopping for gifts, cooking, and decorating. While shopping and cooking delicious foods can become overwhelming and expensive, why not keep it simple when it comes to decorating your home? These quick and easy tips brought to your proudly by  will help you save money, give you more time to

 

 complete other holiday necessities, and make your house look astonishing.

1. Pick a theme for your home. This will allow your shopping to be quicker, less expensive and make your home look and feel professionally designed.

2. Place a wreath with a ribbon attached to it on your doors facing the neighborhood. This will make the outside of your home look pleasant and it will make people feel welcome when entering your home.

3. Want a scent that will make your home smell fresh without having to worry about a flame being around your children? Place popery in decorative containers on counter tops to leave a holiday scent when entering or exiting the room.

4. If you are looking for a nature feel, walk around your back yard and pick up pine cones, berries, pines, and other fall nature items. Next, place these items strategically in a seasonal bowl or container where ever your heart desires.

5. Tree ornaments can be costly, so make it a family event each year to create new ornaments by using items from your local arts and crafts store.

6. Have a fire place that looks plain? Create stockings with your loved ones and hang them over the fire place to

7. Start collecting display items that can be passed down from generation to generation.

8. Strategically arrange furniture in living rooms to nfluence a group discussion and make the room feel cozier and welcoming.

9. Want your dinner table to look magnificent when your loved ones come over for your holiday dinner? Buy an inexpensive center piece that may consist of candles, flowers, incents or anything else that will make your table lively.

10. If there is a place in your home that needs to be filled, place glass cylinders filled with ornaments and other season decorations in them. This will look extravagant at an

For more holiday decorating ideas, visit www.realsimple.com.

Thes tip idea brought to you by Vargas & Vargas Insurance Agency.

 

You might be feeling very confident now that you’ve established your office and taken out your business insurance in Boston MA. Businesses don’t always survive the first few years. Will you? One of the biggest mistakes many new business operators make is that they start out with an idea and a vague hope of making a fortune in the future, but they don’t set out a plan detailing how they will get there. Business is all about planning for the future, measuring your success, and doing some more planning. Here are three of the basics you’ll need to put in place if you hope to achieve something special.

Know your figures

Account for every cent that comes and goes and be aware of your financial situation at all times. Are you making a profit? How much profit are you making? How much is it costing you to bring new customers into your business? How much does each customer spend?

Plan your growth

When you have the right information at hand, you’ll be in a position to plan your marketing and growth. You’ll understand how much you ROI you get from various marketing activities, so you can make better decisions and begin to estimate outcomes.

Protect your investment

The fastest growing, most innovative business could fail after a disaster if the owner has failed to take out insurance coverage for the risks the business may face.

Having attended to the business plan and the insurance, Boston MA entrepreneurs new to business should aim to learn all they can about developing and running an enterprise. Courses, mentors and networking groups can all be good sources of information.

Contact Vargas & Vargas Insurance for a quick insurance quote.

Most Mass home insurance policies will cover burglaries. The real damage often lies in the victims’ feelings of safety and peace of mind being snatched away. You can help to keep yourself from becoming a victim. By using the following three tips, you may be able to avoid being the target of a home invasion.

How well do you know your neighbors? This could be the difference between being robbed while you are away and the police being called by a concerned citizen. Introduce yourself and your family to the people who live around you so they can recognize who is a stranger and who is not.

Also, stay alert to your surroundings. Have you noticed a strange man lurking around the neighborhood or has the same car been parked in front of different houses? These individuals could be looking for their next target to hit. Do not hesitate to call the police if you see something that makes you feel suspicious or uneasy.

Additionally, don’t advertise your valuables. You may have committed this no-no without even knowing. After purchasing new electronics or other expensive items, what do you do with the boxes? Individuals who leave them on the curb for the trash collector are basically showing thieves what they could get if they broke in.

It is important to know that many valuables stolen during a home invasion are never recovered. Lessen the monetary loss you could be burdened with after a burglary by obtaining the proper Mass home insurance. A representative of our agency can help you decide on the right coverage for your home. Why not give us a call today? With Vargas & Vargas Insurance, you can get the coverage you need for your home insurance.